France will host Italy in the third round of the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 fixtures on Friday at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Les Bleus are the only team in Group 1 with a perfect record, following consecutive 1–0 wins over Türkiye and Belgium under manager Zinédine Zidane.
A defeat on home turf would cost France top spot in the group rankings.
Italy look to build on Türkiye win
Italy, led by head coach Roberto Mancini in his second tenure, is chasing momentum after a 4–1 victory over Türkiye that followed a loss to Belgium.
The Azzurri sit in Group 1 as they attempt to rebuild after missing three consecutive World Cups.
France holds a strong recent record against Italy, losing only three of the last 16 meetings despite defeat in the 2006 World Cup final.
Five of the previous six encounters between the sides ended with a 3–1 scoreline.
France is the only team in League A yet to concede in the Nations League season, allowing a league-low 1.9 expected goals.
The French attack carries depth through Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, and Désiré Doué, with Kylian Mbappé injured.
France is expected to recall several starters, including Olise, Dembélé, Cherki, Dayot Upamecano, and Jules Koundé.
Defender Maxence Lacroix is set for a third consecutive start alongside Upamecano because of injuries to Ibrahima Konaté and William Saliba.
Italy also faces squad changes, with forward Giacomo Raspadori sidelined by injury.
Mancini has left out Diego Coppola, Honest Anahor, Alessandro Romano, and Samuele Inácio from the expanded roster, while brothers Pio and Sebastiano Esposito remain in contention to start.
Spanish official Jesús Gil Manzano will referee the match, with Guillermo Cuadra Fernández as Video Assistant Referee.
